JOB TITLE: UAS TECHNICIAN/OPERATOR III

DEPARTMENT: SUSTAINTMENT

REPORTS TO: DIRECTOR OF SUSTAINTMENT

CLASSIFICATION: NON-EXEMPT 

PRIMARY FUNCTION 

The Sustainment Ground Operator supports day-to-day readiness and mission availability of Platform Aerospace UAS by executing ground operations, inspections, troubleshooting, and sustainment tasks in accordance with approved procedures.

This role is responsible for safe aircraft handling, pre-checks, fault isolation, basic corrective actions, and accurate documentation. The Sustainment Ground Operator works closely with Maintenance, Flight Operations, Engineering, and Logistics to ensure aircraft and ground support equipment (GSE) are mission-ready and configuration-controlled.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Perform UAS pre-flight, post-flight, and turn-around inspections in accordance with approved checklists, technical manuals, and standard operating procedures.
• Execute system functional checkouts and verify aircraft and ground control station readiness for operations.
• Troubleshoot UAS and support equipment discrepancies to maximize mission capable rates and minimize downtime.
• Perform authorized corrective actions within the limits of training, certification, and delegated authority.
• Inspect, maintain, and ensure serviceability of Ground Support Equipment (GSE) including GCS, ground antennas, power supplies, tooling, and test equipment; verify calibration status as required.
• Coordinate with Maintenance, Engineering, and Quality teams for discrepancies requiring advanced repair, analysis, or non-standard disposition.
• Maintain strict configuration control, including verification of part and serial number traceability, software/firmware baselines, and aircraft status accounting.
• Support final acceptance checkouts and operational readiness activities for UAS platforms.
• Participate in formal training and qualification programs; progress toward independent task certification under the supervision of senior instructors or subject matter experts (SMEs).
• Attend and successfully complete required on-site and off-site training courses, including vendor, customer, and company-sponsored technical training, as assigned.
• Travel as required to support training events, field operations, or customer support activities.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable FAA regulations, company procedures, and safety requirements.
• Perform other related duties as assigned in support of UAS operations and sustainment.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS 

• High School diploma or GED and minimum of 5+years of professional UAS/Manned flight operations and maintenance support
• Demonstrated ability to follow standard operating procedures and maintain high documentation accuracy.
• Ability to work in a cross-functional capacity and interface with members of various departments
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Excellent communication and documentation skills
• Ability to shift direction and change priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Active security clearance.
• Experience with UAS ground operations, aircraft servicing, or flight-line support.
• Familiarity with reading technical documentation (work instructions, drawings, maintenance manuals, checklists).
• Knowledge and experience with Piccolo flight controllers highly preferred
• Mechanical aptitude; is able to use basic tools and follow a maintenance manual.
• Software understanding; ability to use basic computer functions like command prompt.
• Experience testing Unmanned Aircraft Systems.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Primarily office/desk-based work using standard office equipment.
• May require occasional meetings outside standard hours to support audit/assessment timelines.
• Ability to sit for extended periods and operate a computer and other office productivity tools.